Kindergartners' use of symmetry and mathematical structure in representing self-portraits

Joanne Mulligan, Gabrielle Oslington

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

As part of a large study, Connecting Mathematics Learning through Spatial Reasoning, Kindergarten children’s drawings of their portraits were analysed for features of line symmetry and mathematical structure. Children’s portraits were initially drawn by observing the face of a partner. The drawing was folded along a central line, placed on blank paper, with only half the portrait visible along a line of symmetry. The child completed the portrait matching the explicit features of the initial drawing. Evidence of symmetry was analysed such as matching key features of the face in alignment and with details reflecting the symmetrical features of the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Drawings were categorised for one of five levels of structural development utilised in a related study on mathematical pattern and structure with Kindergartners. There were wide qualitative differences found in the drawings, with half of the drawings showing incomplete symmetrical features. However, over thirty percent of children represented explicit structural features such as equal spacing, congruence, partitioning and alignment of facial features.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationICME14: Proceedings of the 14th International Congress on Mathematical Education
Subtitle of host publicationTopic Study Group 1: mathematics education at preschool level
EditorsMarja van den Heuvel-Panhuizen , Angelika Kullberg
Place of PublicationBerlin, Germany
PublisherInternational Mathematical Union
Pages16-20
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - 2021
EventInternational Congress on Mathematical Education (14th : 2021) - Shanghai, China
Duration: 11 Jul 202118 Jul 2021

Conference

ConferenceInternational Congress on Mathematical Education (14th : 2021)
Abbreviated titleICME-14
Country/TerritoryChina
CityShanghai
Period11/07/2118/07/21

Keywords

  • mathematics education
  • early childhood
  • symmetry
  • pattern
  • representation

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